PM talks with Chinese premier

JULIA Gillard has spoken with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao for the first time since becoming prime minister in June.

Premier Wen congratulated Ms Gillard on forming a government and invited her to visit China when the two spoke on the phone this afternoon.

"The prime minister said she looked forward to visiting," a spokeswoman for Ms Gillard said in a statement.

The Labor leader is seen as a something of a novice in international relations and was criticised for ignoring foreign policy during the election campaign.

But today the prime minister and Premier Wen talked of a "strengthening bilateral relationship".

"(Ms) Gillard expressed her condolences for the impact of the severe recent flooding in China," her spokeswoman said.

"The prime minister also underlined her commitment to further strengthening the bilateral relationship with China, including by building on the strong economic relationship and our co-operation in regional and global forums, particularly the G20."

The two leaders agreed to keep in "close contact".

They want Australia and China "to work together to make the most of opportunities in the relationship".